Estate Planning

Many of our clients have come to us with the common misconception that estate planning is only for the rich and that it is little more than an exercise in locating loopholes for minimizing estate taxes.

Although we are always pleased to employ sophisticated estate planning tools to help our wealthier clients minimize the impact of the estate and gift taxes on their estates, we believe that almost anyone can benefit from estate planning and that it should be affordable.

Consider this. If something disastrous were to happen, who would you want to act as your children’s guardian? Do you know how to ensure your wishes are carried out? Even if you have only a modest estate, think back to when you were 18 or even 21 and consider what might happen if even seemingly responsible kids were to inherit property outright at that age. Should you become seriously ill, who do you want handling your finances while you recover? Who do you want making your medical decisions if you are unable to make them for yourself? And who would handle these responsibilities if you are single or if your spouse has already passed away or if your first choice is too emotionally compromised to make sound decisions?

Undoubtedly estate planning involves wills, trusts, powers of attorney, deeds, and making certain that your property reaches your family or friends or favorite charities. But as we see it, estate planning is also a way to protect your family and your legacy. Wealthy families, families with limited means, and all the families in between are likely to benefit from the protection that solid estate planning can provide regardless of the family structure.

Avoid Probate.

Probate is the expensive, time-consuming, and public way the court oversees how you leave your property to the people you love. We can help you skip an unnecessary probate with an affordable, efficient and private estate plan.

Affordable Flat Fees.

Our clients consistently find our convenient flat fees a better value than rates charged by other attorneys. And our fees are almost always cheaper than probate.

Instant Resolution.

Probate will tie up your property for months and often for years. With a properly drafted estate plan, your property can be instantly released to the hands of the people who matter most.

Your business remains your business.

What did you own? Who got what? What could you have done differently? Probate will broadcast this information to the world. Your estate plan settles these questions properly – in private.

Flexibility.

Not everyone can travel from home to meet with an attorney. When appropriate, we can come to you. We have executed estate plans in living rooms, hospital rooms, and assisted living facilities.

Convenient and Confidential Consultation.

Phone, e-mail, in person. During your complimentary 45 minute consultation, we will consider the property you own, who you want to inherit it, and who you want to make decisions in an emergency.